Sangamam 2024: Embracing the Legacy and Creativity of Indian Art and Culture

The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) hosted its Seventh Edition of Sangamam – an initiative to promote art & culture of the country with Dhrupad maestro Pt. Uday Bhawalkar along with Kirit Singh and Sukhad Manik Munde at St. John’s Auditorium Bangalore on Feb 10, 2024/Saturday.

The LIVE Dhrupad performance was witnessed by classical music admirers who had come from different parts of Bangalore and met Pt. Uday Bhalwalkar and his team.

Known as the foremost Dhrupad vocalists, Pt. Uday has been a strong force in its growing recognition, popularity, and resurgence worldwide. He’s a disciple of Ustaad Zia Fariduddin Dagar (vocal) and Ustaad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar (Rudra-Veena), the towering pillars of the Dhrupad tradition. Pt. Uday Ji believes that when immersed in the note and raga, the self dissolves and only the music remains. Admired for his engaging style, Pt. Uday through his artform reaches out and communicates with audiences of all backgrounds. Since his first performance at Bhopal in 1985 Uday has performed in a number of prestigious festivals and events in India and abroad.

Born out of the immense passion for music of the founders, Kumari Shibulal and SD Shibulal, Sangamam aims to promote the rich tapestry of India’s heritage and diverse art forms to a wider audience, while fostering awareness and preservation of our cultural legacy.

Sharing her thoughts on Sangamam, Kumari Shibulal, Founder (SFPI) said, “Music has the ability to bring people together and create a common platform that transcends boundaries and differences. Both Shibu and I are inclined towards Indian Classical Music, and it is our admiration for heritage and culture that sowed the seed for Sangamam a couple of years ago. Through this initiative, we aim to reach out to art admirers who are inspired by the richness of Indian Music and Dance forms.”

Pt. Uday on his LIVE Dhrupad performance opined, “Meeting art admirers has always been a fulfilling experience. With my 40 years of experience as an educator and performer, it gives me immense happiness to share the beautiful ancient art form. Bangalore has always been very welcoming, and it was an absolute pleasure performing at Sangamam. Initiatives like these are bridging the gap between the art, artists, and admirers.”

Dhrupad is also one of the oldest living traditions of North Indian Classical music, drawing its roots from the rich, ancient Indian philosophies and its artistic value systems. It has originated from the sacred Sanskrit script of Sama Veda.

In an endeavour to promote and keep alive the lineage of teaching Dhrupad in the traditional Guru Shishya Parampara, Pt Uday has established a residential Gurukul, by name ‘Dhrupad Swarkul’ with a goal to impart knowledge and training to selected and deserving Sadhaks of this art form – Dhrupad. The ‘Guru-Shishya Parampara’ is the quintessential Indian process of imparting valuable knowledge and philosophy passed through the ages by the Gurus. SFPI has collaborated with Dhrupad Swarkul to promote this ancient art form to children who have interest in pursuing this art form – Dhrupad.